IceHogs News

Rockford, Ill. – The month of December at the BMO Harris Bank Center saw a record amount of fans take in a Rockford IceHogs game and the team looks to expand on that success by welcoming the two millionth fan in franchise history to pass through the doors in January.

Through 17 games this season, the IceHogs have drawn 74,298 fans to downtown Rockford for an American Hockey League game. By comparison, after 17 contests last season (66,221), the IceHogs have seen an increase in attendance by 12.2%. The IceHogs finished the month of December with an average of 5,007 fans in the stands.

Overall the Hogs have seen 1,995,842 patrons pass through the gates in the club’s 14 year history to this point, just shy of the two million milestone by 4,158 before their next home game on Wednesday, Jan. 9. The two millionth mark is expected to be reached on Friday, Jan. 11 when the IceHogs host the Grand Rapids Griffins for a 7:05 p.m. start at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

To commemorate the historic occasion, the two millionth fan through the turnstiles at the BMO Harris Bank Center will win the Ultimate IceHogs Package, including season tickets for two seasons along with a personalized parking spot across from the BMO. The fan to hit the special mark will be greeted by IceHogs team personnel and honored during the first timeout in the second period and will receive a prize package including:

• IceHogs season tickets for the remainder of the regular season, along with the next two seasons
• Post game opportunity to meet the team and get autographs following Friday’s game
• A personalized parking space across from the BMO Harris Bank Center for two years
• A number two IceHogs jersey with a special nameplate
• A pair of Blackhawks tickets to a select game in 2012-13 and 2013-14

Since the IceHogs introduced professional hockey to the Rock River Valley in 1999, the team has been growing in popularity at a rapid rate. The IceHogs finished their inaugural season in 1999-00 with 143,195 fans coming out to watch a game, compared to 161,286 during the 2011-12 season, the franchise’s second-best.

For more information about the IceHogs or for tickets, visit IceHogs.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (815) 968-5222 or in person at the BMO Bank Center Box Office and any Ticketmaster Outlet.

Next Home Game: Wednesday, Jan. 9 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs return home to face the Griffins for the first time in 2012-13 at the BMO Harris Bank Center on a WXRX Dollar Day. The game is the fifth of eight on the campaign overall.